Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Jonesborough, the oldest city in the state, has been certified as a Tennessee Main Street community.

It joins 24 other Tennessee Main Street communities that are certified through the state program and accredited by the National Main Street Center, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty noted that the city in Washington County is home to the National Storytelling Festival and draws thousands of visitors and "international acclaim."

Tennessee Main Street provides technical assistance and guidance to help communities make downtowns more safe and appealing.

Last year, certified Main Street communities generated more than $82 million of public/private investment and created a little more than 600 new jobs.